Review: Ban Krasae Bon CSR Program

Ban Krasae Bon is a community-based tourism project that gives visitors an opportunity to experience an authentic way of life of fruit farmers in Rayong. The afternoon begins at the 400-year-old community shrine. Where water level and weather permits, visitors may help local villagers pick overgrown water mimosa from the Prasae River for composting, or fish for giant river prawns, which will be cooked and served along with other local dishes for a simple yet memorable meal.

It is interesting to note that while the project is supported by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization), one of Ban Krasae Bon’s main objectives was also to counter efforts to establish a biomass gasification power plant on the banks of Prasae River. This seems a little intriguing when Ban Krasae Bon is promoted alongside mega industrial and infrastructural development of Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor.